Lexical Summary idea: Form, appearance, semblance Original Word: ἰδέα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance countenance, appearanceFrom eido; a sight (comparative figuratively "idea"), i.e. Aspect -- countenance. see GREEK eido NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for eidea, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2397: εἰδέαεἰδέα, ἐιδεας, ἡ, Matthew 28:3 T Tr WH, a poetic form for ἰδέα, which see (cf. WH's Appendix, p. 153) (Baruch 6 (epistle of Jer.) 62; Aristophanes Thesm. 438 variant). Cf. Buttmann, 5; (Winers Grammar, 48 (47); see εἰ ἰ). STRONGS NT 2397: ἰδέαἰδέα, ἰδεας, ἡ (from εἶδον, ἰδεῖν), form, external appearance; aspect, look: Matthew 28:3 (T Tr WH εἰδέα, which see), cf. Alberti, Observations, at the passage; (Tdf. Proleg., p. 81). (Greek writings from Pindar and Herodotus down; 2 Macc. 3:16; for דְּמוּת Genesis 5:3.) (Cf. Schmidt, chapter 182, 3.) Strong’s Greek 2397 appears only once, in Matthew 28:3. Describing the angel who rolls back the stone from the Lord’s tomb, the text says, “His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow”. The singular use heightens its force: the word captures the dazzling, awe-inspiring sight that arrests the guards and comforts the women (Matthew 28:4–5). Radiant Manifestations in Scripture Although the vocabulary is unique in the New Testament, Scripture repeatedly records similar luminous phenomena whenever heaven breaks into earthly sight: • Moses’ face shines after meeting the LORD (Exodus 34:29–30). These parallels underscore that 2397 stands within the biblical pattern of radiant glory marking a messenger or manifestation from God. Theology of Glory and Holiness Matthew 28:3 links divine glory with holiness and victory over death. The angel’s lightning-like countenance testifies that the resurrection is not a hidden event but one attended by heaven’s unveiled light. This radiance anticipates the eschatological promise that “the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). Angelology and Covenant Faithfulness The lone use of 2397 strengthens the portrayal of angels as ministers of God’s covenant purposes. At pivotal moments—Sinai, the Incarnation, the Resurrection—angels appear in dazzling brightness. Their brilliant “appearance” signals continuity in God’s redemptive actions and assures believers that the same power that rolled away the stone still attends the Church. Christological Resonance The angel’s shining visage echoes Christ’s own transfigured glory, drawing a narrative line from Mount Tabor to the empty tomb. What was momentarily revealed in Jesus at the Transfiguration becomes permanently validated in the Resurrection. The single occurrence of 2397 thus contributes to the gospel testimony that Jesus is the radiant center of salvation history. Historical Reception Early Christian writers used imagery of light and splendor to communicate the new creation inaugurated by Christ. Patristic sermons on Matthew 28 often emphasized that the angel’s brightness confronts the darkness of death and unbelief. Medieval art followed suit, depicting Easter angels in gleaming white to teach visually what the term expresses linguistically. Ministry and Homiletic Applications 1. Assurance in Trial: The same divine power that accompanied the angel remains active for believers facing fear (Matthew 28:5; Hebrews 13:5–6). Devotional Reflection Meditating on Matthew 28:3 invites believers to contemplate resurrection light that dispels every shadow. In personal worship, the verse becomes a springboard for thanking God that His glory is not distant but has entered the grave and conquered it. Summary Strong’s Greek 2397 captures a moment of concentrated splendor that punctuates the resurrection narrative. Though appearing only once, it resonates with a rich biblical theology of glory, attesting to God’s consistent pattern of revealing Himself in radiant holiness and assuring His people that the Light of the world has triumphed forever. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 28:3 N-NFSGRK: δὲ ἡ εἰδέα αὐτοῦ ὡς KJV: His countenance was like INT: moreover the appearance of him as |
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